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Album · 2015

Voice Notes from the Back Row

by Zuri Bell

A first full album of street-party grooves about small joys on a Lagos weekend.

Tracks

  1. 1. Umbrella ParadeGrey sky, bright feet. This is the song I open every show with, and the crowd always knows the call.anthemic afrobeats, highlife2:31
  2. 2. Laundromat Dance FloorClack clack clack is the sound of my quarters and the sound of my heart. A laundromat floor is a real dance floor, trust me.street-party afrobeats, playful pop2:48
  3. 3. Phone Call From HomeMy mother calls at the worst times and the best times. This one is for her.tender afrobeats, highlife2:22
  4. 4. Snooze Button BreakupI have broken up with my alarm clock many times. It never takes the hint.playful afrobeats, bright pop2:34
  5. 5. Market Bag BoogieA sister to Saturday Market Sunshine, but with more swagger. The bag got bolder and so did I.market afrobeats, groove2:27
  6. 6. Dance Like the Bus Is LateA little dance-pop wink to the radio of my teenage years. Standing at the bus stop, I decided to just move.2000s dance-pop, bright pop2:13
  7. 7. Fresh Braids FridayEight hours in the braiding chair gives you plenty of time to write a chorus. This is that chorus.confident afrobeats, highlife-pop2:29
  8. 8. Sunday Pot Is SingingThe pot sings tap-tap on the lid and I harmonise with it. It smells like Sunday in every line.cosy afrobeats, gospel-tinged2:58
  9. 9. Orange Peel SunriseOrange peel, gold light, and the first good mood of the day. The horn line is just me copying the kettle.sunrise afrobeats, groove2:46
  10. 10. Kente Cloth CartwheelWe closed the album with a cartwheel on the washing line. Gold, green and red, laughing the whole way out.playful afrobeats, highlife2:16

Liner notes

After the EP people started stopping me in the street, which was frightening and wonderful. I wanted a whole album that sounded like the back row of the choir, where all the fun happens. We recorded in a borrowed room with a rented drum kit and a fan that never worked. Laundromat quarters, bus stop dancing, a phone call from home: I only wrote about things I had just lived.

Zuri Bell